trying to settle argument about power supplies!

[canfraggle]

If you have a 300W generic non-AMD-approved powersupply and a 300W AMD approved power supply to be connected to a DDR AMD Socket A motherboard, aren't the chances fairly slim that the non-approved 300W one will work correctly and power and run the system reliably compared with the 300W AMD approved one? If so, why is this? Someone please straighten things out or this will break into fisticuffs...

 

[whalen]

Yeah, if you have a 1.4 Athlon or so in there, the generic may 'work' but it could be VERY unreliable...better chance that it wont work than it will.

 

[o1die]

The generic will probably generate more heat inside your case, and may have an unstable 5 volt rail, which is one of the critical specs for a power supply. A good power supply has plenty of vents all around the cover, and readings very close to spec (12v,5v 3.4,etc.).

 

[Damascus]

My 'non-AMD approved' Antec PP303X powers my AMD Athlon 1.2Ghz
perfectly. AMD doesn't test every unit out there, so don't take their
approval as the final word.

 

[tcsenter]

<< If you have a 300W generic non-AMD-approved powersupply and a 300W AMD approved power supply to be connected to a DDR AMD Socket A motherboard, aren't the chances fairly slim that the non-approved 300W one will work correctly and power and run the system reliably compared with the 300W AMD approved one? >>

Not at all. The difference between AMD approved and non-approved is the 'approved' units have been tested by AMD. It doesn't necessarily follow that a power supply doesn't meet AMD's criteria just because it isn't on AMD's list. Manufacturer's have to submit their product to AMD to get "approval", its not like AMD goes shopping and buys them off the shelf at random. They aren't Consumer Reports. If a manufacturer doesn't submit a power supply to AMD for testing, they don't get on the list. I'm quite sure AMD does not perform this for free, there is a cost to the manufacturer for certification.